VIENNA, 12 February 2020 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today said that he deplores last night’s detentions, violent incidents and mistreatment of journalists during an election-related protest in Baku...

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

PRESS RELEASE

Harassment and violence against journalists in Azerbaijan is deplorable, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative, calling for swift investigation

“I am very concerned by last night’s detentions, violent incidents and mistreatment by law enforcement representatives of journalists who were covering the public protest. This is particularly unacceptable as journalists were reporting on the events of public interests, related to the aftermath of the recent legislative elections,” Désir added.

According to reports, on 11 February 2020, at least eight journalists, who work as freelancers or contribute to various media outlets, including Amerikanın Səsi (Voice of America Azerbaijani service), Radio Azadliq (RFE/RL Azerbaijani service), and Meydan TV, were mistreated, detained or attacked by law enforcement representatives during the dispersal of an election-related protest in Baku.

The Representative noted reports that the editor of the Bastainfo.com online platform, Mustafa Hajibeyli, was seriously beaten, journalist Aynur Elgunesh was hit in the head, and journalist Sevinc Vaqifqizi received bruises on the face and arm.

“I call on the authorities to swiftly investigate these incidents, bring all those responsible to account, and provide appropriate remedies for the victims,” Désir said. “The media has the right to cover public events, and law enforcement has a duty to respect and protect journalists’ right to report in a free and safe manner at all times.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.

For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/446035

Contacts:

Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
Wallnerstrasse 6
1010 Vienna
Austria
Office: +43 1 514 36 6800
Fax: +43 1 514 36 6802
[email protected]

Ton van den Brandt

Office: +43 1 514 36 6806
[email protected]

This message was sent by the OSCE e-mail service, to which you are a subscriber.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe works for stability, prosperity and democracy in 57 states through political dialogue about shared values and through practical work that makes a lasting difference.

Our mailing address is:
OSCE Wallnerstrasse 6 Vienna 1010 Austria